How to Deal with Arizona’s Early Spring Allergy Season

Spring has arrived earlier than usual in Arizona this year. About now, you're probably feeling those runny eyes, sniffly nose, and scratchy throat, and wondering if you're coming down with some kind of upper respiratory sickness.

Since allergy symptoms can mimic those of common illnesses like Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the flu, or COVID-19, this is a good time to figure out the difference between allergies and illness. If you’re feeling sneezy and itchy right now, you’re not alone.

I look forward to the warmer weather, but I don’t look forward to the allergies that come with it. Spring always brings extra challenges for eyes, throats, and sinuses. If you can relate, keep reading. Here’s what you can expect from this year’s allergy season in Arizona.

Related: Tips for Dealing with Seasonal Allergies in Arizona

When Does Allergy Season Worst in Arizona?

Arizona’s dry, dusty climate means most of us experience allergy symptoms year-round. But when spring arrives, and as you know, this year it’s come on earlier than ever, you know those dry, dusty winds spread pollen. The wind kicks around everything from mesquite and Palo Verde tree pollen to wildflowers, and they all make this season especially tough for allergy sufferers.

The spring flowers are vibrant right now, but for a lot of us, it’s hard to appreciate them through watery eyes. The good news is that peak allergy season in Arizona doesn’t last forever. Grab a tissue and your favorite non-drowsy antihistamine; here’s what you can expect this year.

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What Can You Expect from Allergies in Arizona?

Allergy triggers and peak-season timing can vary depending on where you live in Arizona. Typically, allergy season in Arizona reaches its peak between mid-spring and late fall, but an early spring can mean pollen arrives sooner than expected, according to Wyndly.com.

In spring, tree pollen is the main culprit. Grass pollen becomes more prominent from late spring into early summer, then we round out the allergy-laden year with ragweed and other weeds as we roll through fall.

READ MORE: What To Look For As Spring Arrives In Arizona 

Is Allergy Season the Same Across Arizona?

While allergy season in Northern Arizona will have slightly different allergy patterns, this is what you can generally expect throughout most of Arizona:

• Spring (February to April): Tree pollen is the most common allergen.
• Late Spring to Early Summer (May to June): Grass pollen levels are on the rise.
• Autumn (September and October): Ragweed pollen is everywhere.

If you’re allergic to only one type of pollen, you may only have a couple of months of symptoms. If you’re sensitive to all of them, at least you might get a break from November through January.

If you don’t have a fever and allergy medicine manages your symptoms, you can usually go about your day without worrying about spreading illness. Most likely, you’re just dealing with the joys of Arizona’s allergy season.